The Ivan Kushnyk Tower is one of five defensive towers that still shape the silhouette of the Upper Lavra today. It was built at the end of the 17th century at the expense of Hetman Ivan Mazepa, together with the stone walls that transformed the monastery not only into a spiritual center but also into a powerful fortress.
The tower received its name from Saint Ivan Kushnyk (John the Hut-Dweller). A church in his honor was planned for the second tier of the structure, but this plan was never realized. Nevertheless, the name has survived to this day and become an inseparable part of the history of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.
Originally the tower had two tiers. After the great fire of 1718, it was built up further, taking on its present three-tiered form. The octagonal structure projects beyond the line of the monastery walls and has access to combat galleries and embrasures, from which defense could be conducted in case of danger.
Despite its military purpose, the Ivan Kushnyk Tower is a striking example of Ukrainian Baroque. Its slender pyramidal composition, decorative dome with a gilded cross, and harmonious proportions fit organically into the architectural ensemble of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, once again reminding us that even defensive structures here were created as works of art.
Over more than three centuries, the tower has survived fires and restorations, and during the full-scale war, on the night of June 15, 2026, a Russian drone strike damaged the top of the tower.
How to visit the Ivan Kushnyk Tower
The Ivan Kushnyk Tower is located on the territory of the Upper Lavra at 21 Ivana Mazepy Street. It is part of the defensive ensemble of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and is clearly visible from the main entrance to the National Reserve.
Until June 2026, the tower was part of the thematic tour “How the Cossacks Defended the Lavra.” Following the damage caused by the Russian attack, the monument was temporarily closed to visitors. Restoration work is currently underway.